Honoring prof. dr. rabbi Leon Klenicki 1930-2009

The Faculty of Theology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Rabbi Leon Klenicki, Papal Knight of the Order of St. Gregory , on learning  the sad news of his passing. We remember him with honour, respect and, especially, fondness. As a Visiting Professor of Judaism at our faculty he made a lasting impression on both students and colleagues. He was most often heard quoting Martin Buber's statement that "faith is like razor; you cut yourself all the time." Indeed, Rabbi Klenicki was a Mensch imbued with charm, humanity, and deep faith. Despite his wrestling with the unimaginable events of the Shoah, the long night of terror that members of his extended family endured, Rabbi Klenicki continued to believe in God, and exerted himself in the field of interfaith dialogue with Catholics. In the Sabbath welcoming service that he composed with his wife Myra Cohen Klenicki, there is a poignant prayer that reads: "We ask God for perspective in our facing each other, mutual respect in talking, accepting differences, and a joint sense of balancing in our criticism. Help us, God, to overcome alienation from each other so we can recognize that we need each other, that we can share moments of solitude, but never loneliness." We are grateful for the true friendship that Rabbi Klenicki extended to us and to all who met him. May his memory be for a blessing.

Professors, assistants, students of the Faculty of Theology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium

See also The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/nyregion/31klenicki.html
ADL: http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ChJew_31/5453_31.htm